Examining the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Why are pedestrian accidents on the rise?

Walking offers a wide array of health and environmental benefits, but it can also be dangerous. Pedestrians walking near traffic are at serious risk of injury by motor vehicles nearby. Nationally, the rate of pedestrian fatalities has increased over the past few years, as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Our Marietta, Georgia pedestrian accident attorneys explore some of the top causes of pedestrian accidents below and offer some tips for staying safe while walking near traffic.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The majority of all pedestrian accidents can be attributed to negligence on the part of the automobile driver. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Driver inattention: Driver distraction is believed to be a top cause of pedestrian accidents. It is thought that the increase in driver distraction caused by smartphones and other electronic devices may largely explain the similar rise in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are focused on their phones may not notice pedestrians walking nearby or crossing in crosswalks, leading to deadly results.

Drunk drivers: Drunk drivers pose immense hazards to pedestrians and account for a large percentage of pedestrian accidents. Drunk drivers may swerve onto sidewalks or fail to see pedestrians. These drivers are often speeding and lack the judgment necessary to stop for crossing pedestrians.

Congestion: As roadways, particularly in cities, become more clogged with traffic, the chance of pedestrian accidents increases. Traffic, congestion, and driver confusion can lead to erratic driving behaviors, which in turn places pedestrians at risk. It is thought that the rising number of vehicles on the roads today can in part explain the increase in pedestrian accidents in the past few years.

Stay Safe While Walking

Pedestrians can take steps to protect themselves if they will be traveling near cars. Pedestrians should always pay close attention to their surroundings and avoid wearing headphones so that they can hear approaching traffic. Always walk on sidewalks and cross only in designated crossing areas. Wear bright clothing and avoid walking in the evening hours where visibility is low. Contact a personal injury attorney right away if you are injured in a pedestrian accident.